Dermot O'Leary demands X Factor lie-ins

Dermot O'Leary says a later starting time for 'The X Factor' was a requirement of his return to the show

Dermot O'Leary told bosses of 'The X Factor' he'd only return to the show if they allowed him to have lie-ins.

The 43-year-old television presenter - who was dropped from the show last year and replaced with Olly Murs and Caroline Flack - insisted auditions for the talent show started later so he could get a little extra beauty sleep.

Dermot explained: "My return was carefully negotiated around a slightly later call-time which I cherish.

"I don't mind working till 2am as long as I don't have to start at 8am the next day."

Meanwhile, Dermot recently revealed that Simon Cowell admitted he had made a mistake letting him go last year.

He said: "[Simon said], 'I've made a mistake, I'd love to get you back.' [The meeting in LA] was a lot less awkward than I thought it was going to be."

However, the handsome host - who has fronted the singing show for eight years - was devastated when he found out that bosses were on the hunt for new presenters last year.

He explained: "I always said, 'If I find out they are talking to anyone else, I'm not going to play games, I'll just go'.

"I called ITV and actually didn't speak to Simon. I texted Simon and got a lovely text back but at the time I wanted to keep that at arm's length.

"We did what men do and didn't speak to each other. It got to the point where he thought I wanted to leave and I thought he didn't want me there."

Meanwhile, a few hours of extra sleep wasn't Dermot's only demand as he also requested a hefty pay cheque too.

Speaking to the Sun newspaper, a source said: "It's completely unheard of for one presenter to be paid £8million to host one show.

"There hasn't been a deal like it since Jonathan Ross was getting millions a year from the BBC to host his chat show."